On Potholes

In regard to the article about potholes written by Thomas D. Larson, Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, entitled "The Story Behind Potholes" (May 5, 1985):

Being a driver on U.S. highways and possessing normal intelligence, I disagree with Mr. Larson's statistics and facts about potholes.

Material used for potholes cannot accurately be measured if the pothole is temporarily patched or has to be repaired over and over again. This is the case in the pothole problem. There is absolutely no professionalism or skill exercised by PennDOT in repairing these holes.

As an example: on the approach to 309-North from Emmaus Avenue heading west, there has been an existing hole for at least six years. This hole was repaired about five weeks ago. Today, the hole is back. Insufficient and improper materials were used to repair this crack or hole, as best as I can surmise. I know this pothole in particular because I cut a tire on it and eventually had to replace the tire.

After the article appeared in your newspaper, I took a short trip from the South Side of Allentown via Route 309 North to Route 22 and Tilghman Street. I estimated thatthere were in the vicinity of 500 potholes and cracks of broken concrete and blacktop. At this late stage of the game, the potholes should have been repaired (as Mr. Larson claims, this is a seasonal problem that should be completed by June).

Another fallacy in the article by Mr. Larson: He claims that call-ins have dropped some 25 percent. No wonder; people hesitate to call anymore because there is so little action taken.

Last fall, I drove the Queens Highway in Canada from Ontario to British Columbia. I marveled at the condition of the highway. I traveled some three thousand miles on the highway and I saw one pothole the whole trip and no evidence of patch-jobs. It behooves the state, city and county to send people to Canada to learn the Canadian way to good highways. Upon returning, I classified the worst highways of the 7,800 mile trip. They were in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.